Series: How civilians support the Army’s mission Living Army values to keep installation safe             Mike A. Glasch     Leader Staff

–– I am an Army Civilian –– a member of the Army Team

–– I am dedicated to our Army, our Soldiers and civilians

–– I will always support the mission

–– I provide stability and continuity during war and peace

–– I support and defend the Constitution of the United States and consider it an honor to serve our nation and our Army

–– I live the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage

–– I am an Army civilian

For more than three years, Mark Mallach has had a huge weight on his shoulders. As Fort Jackson’s program manager for the installation anti-terrorism (AT) program, he is charged with educating everyone — Soldiers, civilians, family members and contractors — with the terror threat that still exists. “When most people think of terrorism they have an image of someone running around with a bomb strapped to their chest. But it’s a much broader spectrum,” Mallach said.  In addition to AT training, Mallach assists the force protection officer in resource management and conducts several exercises throughout the year — severe weather, mass casualty and anti-terrorism.  “We get all the directorates energized and involved in anti-terrorism and force protection issues across the installation. DES (Directorate of Emergency Services) plays a big role,” Mallach said. The retired infantry master sergeant said he learns something new every day. “The AT programs encompass such aspects as resource management, intelligence, food and water threats, communication threats and cyber terrorism,” he said. “It’s a lot broader than most people realize. I’m the guy who stays up nights worrying about how to keep the wrong people off the installation.” But it is not the worrying or the constant learning that Mallach said is the most challenging part of his job. Rather it is educating people about the difference between anti-terror measures and counter-terror measures. “I’m not a door kicker,” he explained. Anti-terror measures are those precautions and protections a person, organization or installation takes to deter, detect, defend or mitigate a terrorist attack. Counter-terror measures are more direct, he said. It is because of Mallach’s work that Garrison Commander Col. Lillian Dixon said she has one less thing to worry about. “It is very easy for us to get complacent as we go about our day-to-day routine. We often forget that there continues to be a real threat out there by those who have intentions to harm Americans,” Dixon said. “Knowing that Mark is on top of watching out for all of us, doing what it takes to keep everyone inside the gates of Fort Jackson safe from those who want to harm us, takes a huge burden off my shoulders. “We all have to keep a keen awareness and remain educated on anti-terrorism measures. Mark helps us keep our focus,” she continued.  Just like when he was in uniform, Mallach said he is in a position that he has to take seriously, but keep everything in perspective at the same time. “There are a lot more people counting on me than just my platoon or company. I’m responsible for the safety and security of everyone on the installation,” he said. “I still emulate all the Army values — loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service. I still feel that I am part of a big team, the Army family.” Michael.A.Glasch@us.army.mil